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The CPT® Code 21337 refers to the closed treatment of a nasal septal fracture, which can occur due to trauma or injury to the nose. This procedure is performed without making an external incision, distinguishing it from open treatment methods. In this closed approach, the physician carefully inspects the nasal septum, which is the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nasal cavity into two nostrils. The physician utilizes specialized instruments, such as forceps or nasal elevators, to realign the fractured septum back into its proper position. This realignment is crucial for restoring normal nasal function and aesthetics. To prevent complications such as hematoma formation, which is the accumulation of blood outside of blood vessels, septal sutures may be applied. Additionally, splints may be used to provide stabilization to the area during the healing process. In some cases, portions of bone or cartilage may need to be excised to facilitate proper repositioning of the septum. The procedure concludes with the closure of any incisions, ensuring that the nasal structure is stabilized and positioned correctly for optimal recovery.
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The closed treatment of a nasal septal fracture, as described by CPT® Code 21337, is indicated for patients who have sustained a fracture of the nasal septum. This procedure is typically performed in cases where the fracture is not severely displaced or where an open surgical approach is not necessary. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The closed treatment of a nasal septal fracture involves several key procedural steps that ensure effective realignment and stabilization of the nasal septum. The following steps outline the procedure:
After the closed treatment of a nasal septal fracture, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include instructions on managing pain and swelling, as well as guidelines for nasal care to prevent infection. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to keep the head elevated to reduce swelling. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to ensure that the nasal septum remains properly aligned. If any complications arise, such as persistent bleeding or difficulty breathing, further evaluation and treatment may be necessary.
| Short Descr | CLOSED TX SEPTAL&NOSE FX | Medium Descr | CLOSED TX NASAL SEPTAL FRACT W/WO STABILIZATION | Long Descr | Closed treatment of nasal septal fracture, with or without stabilization | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GJ | "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Short Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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